Oklahoma Commissioner Declares Emergency After Wildfires

April 13, 2009

Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland has declared a state of emergency to allow insurance companies to more rapidly respond to the recent Oklahoma wildfires. The declaration enables emergency adjusters to be temporarily licensed to expedite the insurance claims process.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the hundreds of Oklahomans who have lost their homes in these recent fires, and I am committed to getting them the assistance they need,” Holland said. “Allowing adjusters from other states will assist insurance companies in quickly assessing damages and paying policyholder’s claims.”

Holland said those who have experienced a loss should locate their policy and contact their insurance agent. If their policy documentation was destroyed in the fire, their agent should be able to provide them with a new copy and review it with them as they begin the claims process.

“Losing everything is an unimaginable and devastating experience,” said Holland. “Oklahoma’s professional agents and adjusters are poised to respond. I have been in contact with many companies last night and this morning who have already moved claims adjusters into impacted areas to facilitate a quick and timely response for their policyholders.”

Commissioner Holland is monitoring the situation closely and will determine if an emergency insurance response center will be necessary as the damage is more accurately assessed.

She has also placed her Anti-Fraud Division on alert to watch for and investigate any scam artists and individuals posing as adjusters or agents. Consumers can look up the license status of any agent, adjuster, or company on the Department’s Web site at www.oid.ok.gov.

Source: Oklahoma Department of Insurance